The Allan Labor Government is continuing to back a strong regional voice to government with the appointment of more than 40 new members to Victoria's Regional Partnerships, which advocate for regional communities across the state.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today joined Regional Development Victoria (RDV) CEO Xavier Csar at Parliament House to announce the appointees across the nine Regional Partnerships, who have been chosen for their strong connections to local community, industry and business groups, and experience in leadership roles.
The appointments also reflect a renewed focus on economic development in regional Victoria. Their connections position Regional Partnerships to be a direct place-based voice to Government, supporting the Labor Government to drive economic growth to benefit the unique and diverse strengths of regional communities.
The Labor Government established the Regional Partnerships in 2016 to connect local community and business leaders with all tiers of government.
The Partnerships recognise that local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region and give a voice to regional communities and businesses to advise government and guide the delivery of local services, support, and programs.
In total, 67 people have been appointed to roles across the nine Regional Partnerships, including 42 new members and 25 who are returning for another term.
As our state's lead agency for regional economic development, RDV plays an integral role in working closely with communities, business and industry right across the state to ensure regional areas capture economic opportunities, building on local strengths.
The appointment of a new CEO with sole responsibility to lead RDV along with significant recruitment to the Regional Partnerships reflects the Government's commitment to increasing and unlocking economic investment opportunities and delivering quality ongoing jobs across rural and regional Victoria.
Over the past few years, the Partnerships have supported a range of initiatives to deliver real benefits to local communities.
Following representation by the Mallee Regional Partnership, the Victorian Labor Government appointed its first Cross Border Commissioner in 2018, supporting government to address border-related issues and meet the unique needs of border communities.
As a part of the Better Connectivity Plan, the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership helped secure $1.25 million to build a new 4G digital network across rural and remote districts of the region to boost connectivity for communities.
The Goulburn Regional Partnership helped secure $15 million to fund the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub to give Seymour locals and families vital access to health, wellbeing, and community services.
For more information about the Regional Partnerships, go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
"Regional Partnerships are a key voice to Government, recognising local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region."
"We look forward to working with new and continuing appointees to drive the economic development of regional Victoria."
As stated by RDV CEO Xavier Csar
"Regional Victorian communities are vibrant, growing and diverse, and it's pleasing to see we have Regional Partnership appointees who will provide these people with an important and effective voice to government."
"Our work with the Regional Partnerships is part of the Victorian Government's ongoing commitment to making rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play."
